OK. This post isn’t just for my kids…It’s actually for all the other parents out there too who might confuse their kids…like I often do.
(Take note: Coach Pia, I started this post thinking about how Nino and I can communicate better with our children. What came out of it was actually pretty funny.)
The other day, I was sitting at my desk listening to Nino talk to the kids. I had to quietly chuckle because I realized that what Nino meant while he talking to the kids-was actually different then what he was actually saying. I will attempt to decode the language of our household for those who might find it confusing….like Gia, Miguel, Diego, and eventually Gelli.
I wanted funny pics to accompany this post. This is a pretty spot on portrayal of Diego being silly.
What we say: Did you brush your teeth?
What we mean: BRUSH YOUR TEETH NOW.
Recently, I have been asked to do some healthy living talks for Philips to highlight how I can use their products in my life to achieve balance and embody a life of wellness. One of the products that I SUPER love is my Sonic Care toothbrush. My kids ALL have electric toothbrushes already, but what I have found in the 14 years that I am a mom, for some reason is the kids just don’t get how important it is to brush your teeth! I am constantly reminding my boys to brush their teeth! Gia was never one to fight me on this one, and Gelli seems to be following suit now as well, but my boys…my boys will try and leave the house without brushing at all. *sigh*
What we say: That’s what you are wearing?
What we mean: CHANGE WHAT YOU ARE WEARING.
My boys have a tendency to dress themselves in the same t-shirt and jeans all the time. It’s as if they pick the piece of clothing that is on the top of the pile and don’t think any further. This is when I have to enlist the help of my first born to help the boys look tidy and presentable. Or, they will put on something completely inappropriate for the destination that is planned.
Nino takes the boys out occasionally for a “Boys Night Out.” This usually includes a meal and some silliness for the boys. The boys enjoy these nights out with their Dad and look forward to leaving the girls at home once in a while.
What we say: Who’s that person you’re texting?
What we mean: WE KNOW EXACTLY WHO YOU ARE TEXTING. STOP TEXTING/TALKING TO THAT KID.
As parents, we might not ALWAYS know best, but most of the time when it comes to the friends of our children-we can read the situation. We know who the bullies are, who the bad influences are, and we will do our best to steer our children clear of these types of kids. Always having our children’s best interest at heart, it’s kind of easy to spot trouble when it comes in the form of a “bad” friend.
What we say: How many percent do I have on my phone battery?
What we mean: PLEASE CHARGE MY PHONE.
In the era of apps that are games and games that are apps, I find that my phone is always on the verge of dying. So when I’m leaving the house and I check for my percentage-I find that the kids have drained the battery yet again…of most recent-it’s been Minecraft. I have a love/hate relationship with that game. When I need the kids to be quiet because I’m trying to write…I LOVE that game. When I’m leaving the house and my phone is low batt or near dead…I HATE that game.
What I say: Do you want me to lose my mind?
What I mean: I HAVE ALREADY LOST MY MIND.
This is my last ditch effort to keep it together. This is a warning to all of my kids…you have tried my patience and I have lost the battle. I don’t want to hear the bickering or the banging and I am tired of picking up those dirty socks from the floor, yet again. Can’t you just put them in the hamper?
What I say: Calling my kids by their full name with an exclamation point at the end!
What I mean: STOP. DROP EVERYTHING. DON’T MOVE. Back away from what ever you are doing and wait for my further instructions.
No, but seriously. Of course, as parents we are guilty of giving mixed signals some of the time. I only recently gave this a long hard thought after attending some of Coach Pia’s One Core Life Coaching sessions through our SoMoms #Betterme #sessions. In reality, we must be clear what we expect from our children and how we want them to behave. Setting clear boundaries and expectations helps our children know and understand the differences between acceptable behavior and acting out. As we navigate our parenthood, our successes, and even failures, I also think it’s important to sit back every now and then and have a good chuckle…isn’t it?
Hahahahahaahahaha! Good one, Michelle! I have long learnt about how to actually say what I mean from Stan. I used to have romantic notions about him surprising me with what I want — and of course it never happens. It always used to get me down. Until he finally told me, “tell me what you want, I’m not a mind reader”. Smooth sailing after that! 😉
Yes…communication is so key in EVERY relationship…not just with our kids but also our husbands. I do love a good laugh-tho 🙂 And this whole post made me laugh while I was writing it!